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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has initiated its 2022 Quadrennial Review, a process that examines whether broadcast ownership rules continue to serve the public interest. By law, the FCC is required to conduct this review every four years, although the 2022 cycle was delayed.
The review will assess the Local Radio Ownership Rule, which caps the number of stations a single company can own in a single market, the Local Television Ownership Rule, and the Dual Network Rule, which prevents mergers among the four largest U.S. television networks. These limits were created in the 20th century to ensure diversity of ownership in U.S. broadcasting.
The rules shape the scale and structure of U.S. radio companies. Unlike global streaming services such as Spotify or Apple Music, U.S. broadcasters operate under strict ownership caps that industry groups argue no longer reflect the realities of today’s digital marketplace.
Broadcasters call for reform
Beasley Media Group Chief Executive Officer Caroline Beasley welcomed the FCC’s move. “We would like to thank Chairman Carr for moving forward with the quadrennial review on this critical endeavor,” Beasley said. “This is a defining moment for our industry to ensure that local radio can continue to fulfill its essential public service mission for decades to come. We look forward to working with the Commission to implement common-sense reforms that will allow broadcasters to compete fairly and keep serving the local audiences who rely on us every day.”
Cumulus Media President and CEO Mary G. Berner also expressed support. “We’re encouraged that Chairman Carr and the FCC are advancing the 2022 Quadrennial Review,” Berner said. “Quickly modernizing the radio ownership rules is essential for listeners who rely on local radio every day. With updated rules, companies like ours can invest more locally, diversify our offerings, and compete effectively in today’s rapidly evolving audio landscape. We look forward to working with the Commission to make these updates.”
The FCC is now accepting comments and reply comments from stakeholders, including broadcasters, public interest groups and listeners. Any changes would need to strike a balance between calls for greater flexibility and concerns that fewer ownership restrictions could erode localism and diversity in U.S. broadcasting.
Image: Freepik
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